Common topic
Student visas
Published
06 August 2025
International students can apply for a student visa to study at a New Zealand education provider, including schools, tertiary, and English language.
Overview of student visas
International students are an important part of New Zealand’s education system, contributing to the country’s cultural diversity, innovation, and economic vitality. In return, they gain access to world-class education and unique global opportunities. Immigration settings play a key role in attracting and retaining international students.
There are more international students studying in New Zealand in 2025 than at the same time in 2024 reflecting renewed global interest in New Zealand as a study destination.
Student visa processing times have improved notably in 2025, with Immigration New Zealand making faster decisions and approving more applications than in previous years. This gives students greater confidence in planning their travel and study.
New Zealand’s immigration settings are designed to support student success both during and after study. There are several types of visas available for prospective students, each with its own eligibility criteria and conditions. These conditions may include rules around studying, working, and travelling.
Visas for studying in New Zealand
There are also options for Working Holiday Visas which allow young people from specific countries between 18 and 30 to work or study while they holiday in New Zealand.
Before beginning study
Applying for a student visa
Before beginning studies in New Zealand, individuals will need to apply for a student visa.
It is best to apply early to avoid delays, especially during busy times of the year. We recommend applying 3 months ahead of intended travel dates.
It is important applicants have all the required documents ready, follow the application guidance, and submit everything through the online application form. This helps ensure applications are processed smoothly and on time.
Applicants must declare any assistance or advice provided with their student visa application.
The application form also asks whether the applicant received assistance in gaining the offer of place to study, in case this is different from the person assisting with the visa application.
Supporting documents
Applicants should include all supporting documents required with their initial application to avoid delays. We are not obligated to seek missing supporting information.
We encourage applicants to use our student visa checklists when completing an application to make sure it is complete. These checklists can be found on our student visa information page.
Visas for studying in New Zealand
Applying on enhanced Immigration Online
On 18 August 2025, international student visa applications moved to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system.
The new form aims to create a simpler, more user-friendly visa application process to reduce incomplete applications, provide clear communication on application status, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.
Guidance on how to complete the international student visa application is available in the enhanced Immigration Online application form.
International student visa applications moving to enhanced immigration online
Processing during peak periods
The periods between November to March and June to August are when we see the highest volumes of student visa applications, due to study start dates.
For the best chance of getting a visa on time for study, applicants should apply at least three months before they intend to travel. Applicants can apply earlier if they have all the required documentation. For early applications we may ‘approve in principle’ (AIP), enabling the student to book travel and confirm study arrangements. We then grant the visa closer to the study start date, provided the AIP conditions are met.
Why some applications are processed faster than others
During study
Minimum attendance and academic requirements
Students applying for a second or subsequent student visa must have met attendance and academic progression requirements.
Student visa holders are required to attend their programme of study at all times as required, at the place of study endorsed on the visa, unless there are genuine reasons for absences. They are also required to make satisfactory progress in their study.
Students applying for a further student visa are required to upload evidence of progess and attendance. If they have poor attendance or progress a valid explanation should be provided, however this does not guarantee that the reasons for poor attendance and progress will be accepted. There may also be immigration history that is not visible to the education provider which will be taken into account.
Changing course or education provider
If an individual is currently on a student visa and planning to change their education provider or lower their level of study (for example, from a degree to a diploma), they will need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions. However, in special circumstances where the change is beyond their control, such as a provider closing suddenly, a variation of conditions (VoC) may be considered.
Before making any changes, we encourage individuals to check the guidance on how to apply for a new student visa on enhanced Immigration Online and ensure they apply in advance to avoid any disruption to their studies.
Check or change your student visa conditions
For education providers
Education Providers must use the termination of enrolment process to notify us when a student is no longer studying with them and leaves (or is asked to leave) ahead of schedule.
The termination of enrolment should also be completed by the provider if the student requests a refund for their tuition fees — even if the student has not started their study.
Student enrolment termination form
Working on a student visa
Whether a student can work during study, or in holiday periods depends on the work rights specified in the student visa.
Starting 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary, English language and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours each week during the semester instead of 20 hours. This change will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier.
If a student visa already has a 20-hour work limit and the visa holder wants to work up to 25 hours each week, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions. The extra 5 hours will not be added automatically. If visa holders do not apply, their current work limit stays the same.
Many student visas already allow full-time work during summer and other scheduled breaks. If a visa includes this, visa holders might not need to apply for the extra 5 hours right away. Visa holders can choose to apply for the variation of conditions after summer, if their visa is still valid.
Students on approved Exchange or Study Abroad programmes will be eligible for work rights, even if they are studying in New Zealand for less than one year.
Working after the course ends
More information can be found in Visa Pak 493: Work rights for students pre and post course.
Post study work visas
New Zealand offers clear post-study work options for bachelor's degree or higher graduates.
For graduates with qualifications that are non-degree or below, there are specified qualifications in areas of skill shortage that quality for a post study work visa in that industry. Common examples are diplomas in Engineering or Teaching.